Feminism, “To be or not to be”
Avoiding myths and slogans, a shift against or in favor of feminism, one thing should be kept in mind that there is an increasing need to promote feminist movement in Pakistan. Women of Pakistan have been unfortunate in raising their voice for their rights; as their voice has been disparaged and considered to be anti-Islamic. The chauvinistic factors in Pakistani society have always exasperated the other half of the population of Pakistan, by misinterpreting the true version of women rights in Islam. The fact is that Islam is the only religion which advocates women rights and status. Verses of Holy Quran, Sayings of Holy Prophet and incidents from history indicate promulgation of women rights regarding social life.
Women are equal cronies to men in education, marriage and divorce, social set up (family affairs), politics and all fields of life. Islam has ordained to vest women with their rights and duties as active members of society.
The first women’s voice in Pakistan can be traced to the establishment of All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) in 1949, however, major struggle in this regard arose in 1980 against the authoritarian act of Gen Zia’s regime where women formed Women’s Action Forum (WAF). Foundation of WAF has upgraded women from sluggishness and henceforth, women are raising their voice against the limited role of women in the society. They were powerful in Benazir’s regime during 1988-1996 but a bit recessive in Nawaz Sharif’s regime. During Musharraf’s regime they found themselves protected through women-friendly bills such as; the Criminal Law Amendment Act (2004), the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, the Criminal Acid Act, Protection of Women Act, Status of Women Bill and sundry regulations condemning honor killings and other vices faced by women in Pakistani society.
The above discussion brings up two dominant versions of feminism in Pakistan, one is secular; and other is Islamic feminism. The Islamic feminists’ advocates redefined Islamic feminism and quote that the focus should be placed on female centric laws which are explained in Islam while seculars advocate that women should be given basic human rights like men as it is a social affair like many other affairs instead of treating it as a religious affair. A supporter of secular feminism, Bina argues that, “Pakistan needs a feminism that elegantly marries both strands of feminism, secular and Islamic.” “That is how Pakistan was formed- on both Islamic and secular principles.”
In my opinion, Pakistani women need to be clear about the concept and approach of feminism and their rights. These two amalgamating ideas may not carry the focus away from their fundamental rights which should be safeguarded at all costs. The education should be given to the masses and they need to be informed about feminism without falling into the diaspora of anti-male or anti-Islamic versions and thoughts. A wrong notion should be shunned at all cost that feminism means women superiority, immorality or anti-religious practices rather it should be conveyed that feminism means equality of rights and an easy life for women all around the world.
Sana Qazi, University of Bahawalpur